Okay, so this update was a bit faster than the last one! I hope you all enjoy it, don't forget to review your thoughts (on the story) once you've read it:-)

I would just like to mention - because I know I do it a lot- that I do often repost chapters. This is only because I will see a small mistake in them and it just bugs me to no end so I have to fix it... which means I usually have to remove the chapter from the story and then put it back in... sorry for those who thought this was an update :-(

Chapter 10

Better Late Than Never

"Bella, you need to wake up."

"Go away," I mumbled, pulling the blanket over my head and rolling away from the pestering voice. Why couldn't I just be left alone? I wanted to sleep. The blanket was pulled back slightly and a small breeze of cool air broke into my little warm atmosphere under the thick cover.

"Let me sleep!" I yanked the blanket higher. The voice chuckled and spoke in a low whisper into my ear through the blanket.

"Bella, if you don't get up now you will be late for school."

It took a few seconds for me to absorb that.

"School?" I whimpered. The blanket was pulled down slowly. I didn't fight to pull it back up.

"Yes, school," the voice said by my ear. I rolled over slightly so Edward's face was right up to mine.

"I don't want to go if you're not coming," I told him. He frowned slightly.

"You know you can't miss school. You're falling too far behind, Bella." His voice was disapproving.

"Who needs an education?" I shrugged.

"You do," he said, sitting back up. I sat up too and crossed my arms across my chest.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.

He was suddenly and unexpectedly serious. He placed a hand to my face as he looked me in the eye. "When I left I practically ruined your life, Bella. You have such a promising future and I almost took that away from you. Bella, I am not going to do that to you again."

"You never took anything from me. I did that to myself." I whispered, looking away. I didn't like bringing back the past.

"Because of me," he said. "I realise how it would have looked to you, Bella. Me, just disappearing. I can't imagine how I would handle that if our places had been reversed. Then again, you're too smart to make the same choice as I did."

"Believe me, Edward. I would have made the exact same choice."

"You tend to think things through more thoroughly. You would have realised that in the long run things would be better if you didn't become a vampire; for both of us."

"Yes, well, our places have not been reversed so there's no point in arguing about this, Edward." I snapped rather harshly. I didn't like hearing him regret his decisions. I was too happy that he was here with me. I shook my head and looked at him with a pout. "Do I really have to go to school? I'm sure you can do a really convincing impersonation of Charlie. Maybe if ring up the school and tell them-"

"Don't even think about it," he said. I bit my lower lip in defeat and looked at the ground.

"I don't want to be away from you," I whispered. Edward was immediately in front of me, his hands grasped around my wrists.

"I'll come see you at lunch," he promised. "And I will pick you up from school."

"You'll pick me up in what Edward?"

"Your car," he said.

"You might want to get those windows tinted," I said dryly. He frowned and I sighed. "I'll just see you after school when I get home."

He didn't say anything. He just released my wrists and placed a hand on my lower back, pushing me gently up.

"You really need to get ready for school. I'll be down in the kitchen waiting."

"Okay," I said as he suddenly disappeared.

I rushed to get ready, not paying too much attention to what I was dressing into. I put my hair up in a lazy ponytail and brushed my teeth. Edward was in the kitchen as he had said he would be. He was leaning back on one of the table chairs with one arm folded back behind his head. A bowl of cereal rested in front of him and he removed his arm to push across in front of the chair beside him; the one I sat down in. In his other hand he spun a spoon between his fingers skilfully and smoothly placed it beside my bowl.

"Thanks," I mumbled, digging my spoon into the bowl and shoving it into my mouth. I didn't speak as I ate; I needed to finish quickly. Edward took my bowl and spoon from me when I was done and put it into the sink. He was suddenly standing in front of me with my schoolbag and coat. I said another "thanks," as I took it and walked out the front door, Edward quickly following me. I dug in my coat pocket looking for my keys to lock the door but I couldn't find them.

"Hurry up!" Edward said and I looked at him in aggravation.

"I can't find my keys," I explained but Edward lifted his hand up and jingled something. I scowled. It was my keys. "I need to lock the door." I said, putting my hands on my hips. Edward merely raised his eyebrows. My eyes narrowed as I turned around and twisted the doorknob. It was locked. With an irritated huff I turned around and marched to my truck. Edward dropped my keys into my hand and leaned low into my ear.

"Have a great day at school. I'll miss you."

That made me smile, and I arrived at school with a light heart.

However nobody was to know that or to even notice it. I was invisible in these halls. I had made myself invisible.

I sauntered my way to first class even though I was running late. Other last-minuters carelessly scurried past me, bumping into me often. One person actually knocked my books from my hands and they fell to the floor, scattering.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" They turned around and started to crouch to the floor to collect my books but stopped once they recognised who I was. "Oh. Hey, Bella," I forget the students name but it was a familiar face. He checked his watch and stood back up. "I, uh, really need to get to class. Mr. Johnson will be really mad if I, you know, well, see you round."

I took my bag off and bent down to pick up the books myself, slowly though as I was in no rush. I realised the hallway was empty. It was a major sign for being very late to class. I was probably heading for an after school detention.

I stacked my books orderly and slung my bag over my shoulder before continuing down the hallway to my class.

The classroom door was slightly ajar and for the first time in a year and a half, I was afraid of a teacher.

"Um, excuse me," I poked my head through the door shyly and my body slowly followed through. "Sorry I'm late," I spoke in a quiet voice.

"Isabella Swan," he checked his clipboard. "You have missed registration this morning," he shook his head and added a dry, "again." He looked at me, pushing his small round glasses up his nose slightly. "Go see the principal. And take this with you, please." He handed me the clipboard which had attached to it a list of all the students' names with squares to mark their presence or absence for the day.

I left the classroom and walked casually to the principal's office. I knocked on his door two times before taking a seat. The chair was rather stiff and its material was itchy. I was relieved when Mr. Greene opened his door and ushered me in. He took the clipboard from me and placed it on his desk.

"Would you like to tell me why you have been sent to my office, Miss. Swan?" He asked as he sat down in his chair behind the large wooden desk.

"I was late," I mumbled, looking into the corner of the room.

"What was that?" he asked.

"I was late," I said a little louder.

Back in the rebellious days I had held no fear for these teacher's wraths. I didn't care what they did to me, how they shouted at me, told me I wasn't doing myself any favours. Nothing they said was new to me. I had enjoyed being punished for doing wrong.

But I didn't want to get in trouble now. I wasn't that same Bella.

"Why were you late?" he asked me.

I didn't have an excuse. Not one I could tell him and still expect to be going home by the end of the day. I would rather not end up at some mental institution. "I don't know," I answered.

Mr. Greene was silent and he stared at me with hard eyes while he made a decision. "Bella, I don't know what to do with you. We have suspended you, detained you before, after, during school. Expulsion was not an option but, Bella, I warn you- if you're late once more I will be taking such an action. Do you understand me?"

I nodded, too afraid to speak.

He sighed. "Go home, Bella, and make sure you're on time tomorrow."

I adjusted my bag slightly so it was sitting more comfortably on my shoulder as I left the room quickly and silently. I walked right past my truck in the parking lot, too shy to start its roaring engine.

It was a decent walk back home but I took my time. I wondered how Edward would react when he found out I was on the brink of expulsion. I decided he didn't need to know and I would try to keep it from him.

"Suspended?" a voice asked curtly from behind me. I shrieked and dropped my bag as I turned around.

Edward caught my bag in a flash and slipped it onto his own shoulder. He wasn't smiling.

"N-no, just sent h-home for the day," I shook my head. "Jesus Edward you scared the crap out of me!"

He continued to glare at me, his jaw set firmly. "Why are you walking?"

"Because I wanted to," I said. If he was going to be like this, well then I would too.

"Where's your truck?"

"It's at school."

He sighed and shook his head. "I'm going to go get it. Wait here; I'll come pick you up."

"I'd rather walk," I told him stubbornly.

He turned to face me, his eyes furious. I shrank back slightly, frightened. He noticed this and instantly calmed down. "Bella, please. I won't be more than five minutes."

I chewed the inside of my cheek and looked down. "Fine," I said finally.

He placed a cold hand on my cheek. I smiled slightly and looked up.

But he was already gone.

I sat down on the edge of a low brick fence behind me, waiting for Edward to return. How had he known I was suspended? Was it even suspension anyway? It was only for a day. But how had he known? He was a vampire. He said he'd had good hearing. But not that good I'm sure. Or had he been following me? Watching out for me behind my back? I really hoped not. I didn't want him to know what I was in this school. I hated myself for being too ashamed to be able to admit this to him.

I could hear my car coming down the street and I stood up as Edward pulled over for me. The passenger door was open and I got silently in.

"I'm sorry I got mad at you earlier," I told him, looking out the window as he drove down the street. He had all windows open and he stared out the front window. He didn't look at me once.

"Edward?" I asked quietly. I didn't realise I had upset him so much.

His voice was strained when he answered. "Not now, Bella."

I glared at him for a moment and leant back forcefully in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest. The rest of the drive was in silence.

When Edward parked the car he was out of it in an instance and, five meters away, standing in the middle of my front lawn facing away from me, my bag was on the ground at his heels. He had left the keys in the ignition so I took them out and locked all the doors before walking slowly over to Edward.

"What's all this about?" I asked him. He was behaving so strangely. He turned to me slowly, a triumphant grin on his beautiful face.

"I did it," he said. I frowned and he continued. "The windows open helped a lot but it was still… extremely difficult. But I did it."

Oh. That's why he had been so quiet in the car. It was me, my scent, my blood.

"Oh. I'm sorry for how rude I was. I thought it was something else." I looked down at my feet, ashamed.

Edward lifted my face up, his hand beneath my chin. "I'm sorry for how I was too, earlier. Will you forgive me?"

"Only if you can forgive me," I said playfully. He smiled.

"Done," he said but he was suddenly serious again. "You were suspended."

I froze. "Yes," I said cautiously.

"Was it because you were late?"

He didn't need to know the whole truth. "Yes."

He let out an angry huff of air and then he looked at me. "I'm sorry, it was my fault."

I laughed humourlessly. "I don't really see how that is true. Anway, better late than never right?"

He ignored my last comment. "I woke you up very early this morning. And then I let you sleep in."

"You weren't to know what kind of trouble I was in at school," I said. And then froze again in horror.

Edward took a slow step towards me. "Bella," he eyed me hard. "Do you care to explain?"

"No!" I said quickly spinning around and running towards the house. I fumbled with the keys as I tried to put them into the key lock in the door. My shaking hands permitted no self control. I missed the lock every time.

Edward's cool hands were placed over mine and he guided my hands slowly to the lock and slipped it in. We gave the keys a twist and the door opened.

"Now," he whispered low into my ear. "We don't have to talk about this right now if you don't want to."

I let out an unsteady breath, relieved.

"But don't think I won't bring it up again," he paused, "soon."

He released me and I slipped into the house, bounding up the stairs into my room. I tripped on the last step and went flying into the wall. I slid to the ground moaning and holding my head.

"Arghhhh," my head throbbed and I was feeling very dizzy.

"Bella!" Edward sounded appalled. "Are you alright? Does you're head hurt?"

"Of course it hurts!" I cried, closing my eyes tightly because when they were open everything spun.

"We need to get some ice on that. I'm going to pick you up okay? And take you to the couch. Ready? One, two, three…"

I felt myself lifted and I rested my head against his chest. I was suddenly hit with an inspiration and when he went to place me down I gripped tightly on to him.

"No," I moaned.

"What is it?" He asked, concerned.

"Sit down," my words were mumbled, because speaking properly hurt my head.

He sat down and I lay across him. I lifted my head slightly, ignoring the terrible spinning and throbbing and searched blindly for the bottom of his shirt. When I found it I pulled it upwards, revealing his stomach. I was terribly tempted to sneak a peek.

"Bella?" he asked, even more concerned now.

"Shh," I hushed as I lay my head back down on his now bare stomach. The coldness of it felt wonderful against my sore head. "Ahhhh, that's better."

It felt like lying on a cold rock, except this rock was perfectly smooth and surprisingly comfortable.

I was just nodding off when suddenly my head hit the couch. "Ow!" I complained, opening my eyes to search for Edward. But he was nowhere to be seen. I looked out the window to see a dark blue sky and a large brilliant moon. What time was it? I heard the door of the front door open and an exhausted Charlie walked through, hung up his coat and gun belt and waddled into the living room. I wailed in pain when he turned on the light, making him jump back in fright.

"Bella! What on earth-" but he froze when I lifted up my head to look at him through squinted eyes. He rushed to my side to examine my head more closely. "Bella, what happened to you? Who did this?" he demanded.

"Nobody," I pushed him away. "I tripped on the stairs, that's all. Can you please turn off the light?"

"Should I get you to a hospital? Check for a concussion?"

"No, dad! I'm perfectly fine. Just a bad headache now. Don't over react."

"Sorry Bells, you just scared me. Do you still want me to turn off the light?"

"Yes dad thanks."

He switched off the light and I fell asleep.

------------------------------------------

"Bella, you have to get up now!"

I rolled over to see who was causing the fuss. He pulled the sheets off my bed completely. "Up!" he demanded. I realised I was in my bed, and not on the couch where I had originally fallen asleep.

"Hey," I complained. "You're putting those back on."

"Only when you're not in the bed. Get up!"

"No it's fine, I can wait." But I was lifted up and flung so I was standing on my two feet.

"Oh Bella," he was suddenly concerned and I frowned. He placed a hand gently onto my head. "This is bad."

I shooed his hand away. I knew what he was worrying over. "It's just a bruise," I said, stepping away from him. He continued to hold onto me, his eyes on my bruise. "Hey, you wanted me up, now I'm up! Move!" He took a step back obediently, letting me past him. I rummaged through my draws, collecting the days outfit.

"I should have caught you," he sulked. "I could have, so easily."

I continued searching through my draws. Where was that blasted green T? "Don't be stupid Edward, you were too far away."

"No I wasn't. Why didn't I catch you? I didn't even try."

I found it finally and turned around to Edward. I lifted my hand in the air to emphasise my words with exaggerated motions. "Edward, would you please just get over it? It's really not a big deal. Plus, you'll have plenty more opportunities to make up for this one time. Okay? And really, it doesn't even hurt tha-", I froze when a black bra flew from my hand, which had been holding my under-wear and T-shirt, and hit Edward in the chest. He looked down and caught it as it fell to the floor. He stared at it, stunned. I laughed. "Edward, can I please have my bra back?" He stared at me, mortified. "Oh come on Edward! It's just a bra. Don't be a prude." He glared at me now and threw me my bra. I caught it and stuffed it back into my hand as I used my other one to pick up my favourite pair of jeans. I walked past Edward without any words. He was clearly annoyed at being called a prude.

In the bathroom, I inspected my bruise in the mirror. It really was quite impressive. I didn't remember exactly what had happened when I fell, but by the location of the bruise I must have twisted my head slightly and my temple and cheekbone getting hardest impact. I suspected I had run into the corner of the wall. I dressed quickly and left my hair down to hide the bruise. It would only lead to questions, which I wanted to avoid.

"I'm ready!" I announced to Edward, who sat in my rocking chair, bored. He smiled when he saw me.

"You look beautiful," he whispered, his lips by my ear. He gently kissed my bruise. It didn't even hurt.

"Well, let's get this human to school!" I cheered. "On time!"

Edward shook his head. "First this human needs some breakfast."

"I'm really not hungry," I pouted.

"If you don't eat it yourself, I'll force feed you," he warned.

I winked seductively at him and purred, "I'd like to see you try."

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"Good to see you on time today Bella," my teacher Mr. Harrison said, marking something by my name on the infamous clipboard.

I muttered a "thankyou," as I rushed past him to take my seat.

"Now, as you're all aware, tomorrow is Sports Day!" Mr. Harrison announced once everyone was seated. "Coach Clapp has asked me to remind you that anyone who does not participate in this event will be suffering the consequences of a week's after-school detention and a damaged grade. So unless you have an extra special reason not to be taking part in tomorrow, you may want to reconsider 'forgetting' you're gym clothes or 'spraining' an ankle."

There a groans from several students and other talked excitedly among themselves about which events they wanted to take part in. I joined the groaning crowd.

"Oh and can I please have a word to Mike Newton after class? Thankyou."

Mike looked as confused as his classmates when I turned around to look at him. He caught my eye and his widened in surprise. Was this unusual behaviour of me? I couldn't remember.

I was relieved when class was over, but I couldn't get that sick feeling of dread out of my system. I could feel it right down into my toes. Sports day. "Ugh."

I got a lot of head aches that day. I eventually had to go see the nurse for some pain killers it became too unbearable. She was slightly concerned about the bruise but I told her there was nothing to worry about.

"Are you sure, love? You really hit a delicate spot. You didn't faint at any time?"

"No," I answered dully. She let me go without any further questions.

I sat by myself at lunch; as usual.

Which was why it came as such a surprise when Mike sat down beside me with a lunch tray full of food.

"Hey Bella," he said casually, unwrapping his sandwich and taking a large bite.

"Hi," I said, suspicious.

"How are you doing?" He took another bite and I watched as a bit of mayo-covered lettuce dropped out from the side.

It took a moment to compose myself. "I'm…fine. How are you?"

It was an awkward moment and I watched Mike as he took another bite from his sandwich. It was a surprisingly large thing and he had almost finished half of it in just three mouthfuls.

"I've been better," he placed his sandwich down and picked up a serviette to wipe his mouth with. His attention was on the serviette as he spoke, "Listen Bella, we're going down to the beach tonight. I want you to come."

"To the beach?" I asked dumbly.

"Yes," Mike said slowly, looking at me with worried eyes, "to the beach."

I was so taken aback I couldn't answer. Mike stood up with his tray. "Think about it Bells. Meet us by Tyler's van after school. I would really like you to come. We miss you, Bells." And then he walked off to join all his friends for the rest of lunch. I just sat there replaying the last few minutes in my mind, and, more importantly, the last few words.

We miss you, Bells.

And I realised, after a year and a half, I missed them, too.

I would have liked to have kept going but I thought it would be better if I put the beach and Sports Day into a seperate chapter. I hope you enjoyed that chapter, please review if you want another one soon! Holidays end soon and once it's back to school it might be a while before I get another one up. Hopefully not nearly as long as last time- I will try and avoid leaving you all hanging for such a long while!

Thanks for reading! Please, review :-)